Cattle producers to require prescriptions for livestock antibiotics
LETHBRIDGE – Health Canada is introducing important changes, which will affect the way anti-biotics can be accessed by cattle producers.
As of Dec. 1, 2018, all livestock producers will need a prescription from a licenced veterinarian, before they can buy a medically important antibiotic (MIA) for therapeutic use in livestock production.
The Health Canada changes stem from increasing concern about the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria, not only in humans but, animals as well.
According to the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) the new regulation will apply to all beef cattle sectors using antibiotics — cow-calf operators, feedlots and feed-mills (and really all sectors of animal agriculture including beef, dairy, hogs, sheep, horses, fish and even bees).
Producers who are used to picking up penicillin or tetracycline at the local farm supply store to treat common infections, will no longer be able to do so. As well, some common products traditionally available without a prescription through farm and feed supply outlets will require a prescription, starting in December.